Notre Dame-Syracuse: Let's Analyze This Disaster

I am going to give a brief view of my thoughts on individual components of last Saturday's game. I will start with the component least responsible, in my mind, and then go on to which changes should be made immediately.

Defensive Backs/Linebackers

You guys did play pretty well. There were a few slip-ups, but no one is perfect. I think most of the mistakes you made were due to the flow of the game, the lack of performance of your teammates, and bad officiating.

Defensive Line

You guys did play well enough to win. You made more errors than the backfield and got pushed around a little more, but you also played well enough to win the game.

Defensive Coaches

Again, you guys did seem to be prepared to play. I would have liked to see more consistent pressure on the quarterback, something lacking all year, and better wrap-up tackling, another frequent problem, but your unit did play well enough to win.

Special Teams

You guys did make plays, but you also made several key mistakes. I would say you played an average game. While you guys were not perfect, you also did not deserve to lose.

Running Backs

You did make something out of what was given to you. You definitely could have done more. However, your teammates simply let you down.

Tight Ends/Receivers

Again, plays were made, but you also did not make all the critical ones. This is one area which needs to be improved.

Quarterback

Two touchdowns and zero turnovers is indeed an improvement. But you missed several open receivers and again did need to improve on decision making and looking off receivers. It seems our opponents not only seem to know if we are going to run or pass, the defenses also seem to know who the key players are involved in the game.

Officiating

I would have to say that if I did not see the level of incompetence of the Notre Dame offense, I would believe that you are all crooks and were paid to perform last Saturday.

Evidently you do not realize that there is a new "horse collar" penalty. You definitely do not know what a facemask looks like. Apparently, you apply different standards to Notre Dame than other teams.

To sum it up, I am undecided if you should be prosecuted for being corrupt or just fired for your incompetence.

Offensive Line

I need only two words to describe your performance: pathetic and nauseating.

Offensive Coaches

I do not even know why there should be a discussion to keep the offensive line coach employed. Numbers 51 and 55 missed assignment after assignment. My three-year-old daughter could do what they did: Suit up, stand up, and watch the defensive players go by.

I am making the assumption that all of the players have size, strength, and passion. You have utterly failed in developing any talent they have. I do not even know how you could look people in the eye and say that you are an offensive line coach.

In short, I think the players can still be salvaged into something, but you have not shown you know anything about football.

Charlie Weis

To keep this coach, we need to see some immediate change. He needs to remove the offensive line coach immediately. Since it's so close to the holidays, pay him and let him tend the grounds or polish windows—anything other than to let him "coach" and keep ruining these kids' chances of playing at a high level.